Knowledge Builders

how wide should a fireplace surround be

by Dr. Laura Watsica Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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As a general rule of thumb, the mantel should at least be three inches wider on both sides of the fireplace. The average mantel width in most homes is six to twelve inches. With these dimensions, you can effectively deflect the heat coming from the firebox.Dec 14, 2021

Full Answer

How to measure for a fireplace surround?

Measuring for your new fireplace surround is actually quite easy. The three basic variables we need are the width (A) and height (B) of your opening and how high the bottom of your opening is off of your floor (C). These variables are represented on the fireplace surround below. These measurements will work regardless if you have a masonry ...

How to build your own fireplace surround?

Building a Fireplace Surround: Tips & Steps. Step 1: Decide on the Design. Decide what style you want. You can purchase a premade one or custom-make it to your specifications. If you have decided to make a surround, keep reading this article for instructions and tips on building a fireplace surround. Step 2: Materials Used

What are the standard dimensions of a fireplace?

Typical fireplace dimensions depend on much space you want them to take up. The standard fireplace opening is between 24 and 36 inches wide, 24 and 29 inches high, and 16 inches deep. The distance from the hearth to the fireplace damper is about 37 inches. The rear of the firebox should be between 11 and 19 inches wide and 14 inches high.

How to tile over an existing fireplace surround?

  • I recommend sketching out a diagram of your fireplace on SketchUp, Powerpoint, or even by hand (just use centimeters on a ruler in place of feet for a rough sketch) ...
  • When you have a general design idea, lay the uncut tile on the ground to visualize the fireplace surround shape. ...
  • Oh. ...

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How big should fireplace surround be?

The fire surround should sit somewhere between half way and two thirds the height of the room. You want the fire surround to sit comfortably on the chimneybreast, with between 7cms – 15cms space either side of the shelf, but above all, the fireplace wants to look as though it has always been there.

How wide should a mantle be on a fireplace?

Width: The mantle should be wider than the fireplace — typically 3 to 6 inches wider than the firebox on each side. You can choose to go wider, but it's best to keep the mantel width proportionate to the room size and the fireplace. Height: The standard mantel height is about 4-1/2 feet above the hearth's floor.

How wide is standard fireplace?

The average fireplace is approximately 36 inches by 30 inches, but there is plenty of variation in the fireplaces available on the market. The most common fireplace sizes are: 24 inches by 24 inches.

How far should a mantle stick out?

The proportions of your mantel in relationship to your fireplace are important. Generally, your mantel should extend a minimum of three inches beyond the opening of your fireplace. For reference, if you have a 36-inch fireplace, you'l likely want a mantel width of 48 inches.

Should mantel be wider than TV?

For the false wall options, generally there is a rule of thumb – always make sure the fireplace is wider than the TV. In our experience, the fireplace should be a little wider (6-8 inches) than the TV. This allows the wall to frame the TV, while offering sleek lines for the edges of the fireplace.

Can a fireplace be too big for a room?

Regardless of heat output or TV size, the size of the fireplace should suit the size of the room. A small fireplace will be lost in a large space. Likewise, a large fireplace could overpower a tiny room. However, we see clients going too small far more often than going too big.

How far should a mantle be above a fireplace?

about 12 inchesAs a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So a mantel 6 inches deep, would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.

How long should your fireplace mantel be?

The mantel should not be shorter than the length of the fireplace, and should leave at least 3 feet above the mantel for decor. Start by measuring the size of the fireplace.

How close can mantle be to fireplace?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

How deep is a mantle?

about 2,900 kilometersThe mantle is about 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles) thick, and makes up a whopping 84% of Earth's total volume.

What Is the Average Width of a Fireplace Hearth?

A fireplace hearth is the flat surface that extends from the fireplace. It’s a crucial part of any fireplace because it protects against fire and heat damage and provides a safer space for you to walk around the unit. It also catches any fallen pieces of wood or coal, should they happen to fall.

Should a Fireplace Mantel Be Wider Than the Fireplace?

A fireplace mantel is a crucial part of the fireplace. It’s not just a decorative addition to the room—it plays an essential functional role in directing all smoke up the chimney, preventing pollutants from entering your home. Therefore, you should get its dimensions right as well.

How big is a fireplace?

The average fireplace is approximately 36 inches by 30 inches, but there is plenty of variation in the fireplaces available on the market. The most common fireplace sizes are:

What is a fireplace surround?

A fireplace surround refers to all of the components of a fireplace outside of the firebox.

How high should a mantel be above a fireplace?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the mantel must be at least 12 inches above the top of the fireplace box. Make sure to also check your local housing codes to see if their rules require more than a 12-inch cushion.

How far off the floor should a fireplace be?

If this is the case, you probably want your fireplace to be at about eye level when seated – roughly 40-42 inches off the floor.

How far should a fireplace mantle stick out?

You want your fireplace mantle to stick out at least six inches, which will make sure it can deflect heat while still looking stylish.

How much does a fireplace add to a home?

Additionally, the survey found that over 83% of those surveyed estimated that a fireplace would add between $1,000 and $5,000 of value to a home.

How wide is a firebox?

The fireplace’s rear firebox is generally between 11-19 inches wide, with a height of 14 inches.

How deep is a fireplace?

A fireplace’s depth is measured from the back of the firebox to the opening—the average depth of a fireplace is about 16 inches deep.

How big is an electric fireplace?

There are electric fireplaces perfect to be situated in right smack in the middle of a living room and usually have a dimension of 31 inches in height, a width of 44 inches, and a depth of 13 inches.

How tall should a fireplace mantle be?

With the height, generally, a mantle should at least be 12 inches above the opening. For a standard fireplace with a 36 inches width, it should be 29 inches tall.

What is a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert is usually a sealed box taking the place of an old masonry fireplace. A fireplace insert can be powered by wood, gas, or propane, and they produce more heat and consume less fuel than a traditional fireplace. There are two types of fireplace inserts, and they could either be powered by gas or wood.

How tall is a masonry fireplace?

The height of a masonry fireplace will depend solely on the size of the room where the fireplace will be located.

How big is a gas fireplace insert?

Small gas-powered fireplace inserts have a width, height, and depth of 26, 17, and 14 inches.

Why do outdoor fireplaces come in bigger sizes?

This type of fireplace usually comes in bigger sizes because they are out in the open and are more vulnerable to air and weather.

How big should my fireplace be when compared to the size of my room?

Regardless of heat output or TV size, the size of the fireplace should suit the size of the room. A small fireplace will be lost in a large space. Likewise, a large fireplace could overpower a tiny room. However, we see clients going too small far more often than going too big. When asking ‘How big should my fireplace be when compared to the size of my room’, you should also be considering the size of the wall on which the fireplace will be placed. However, don’t let a small wall trick you into putting a small fireplace into a large space. If the wall you have in mind won’t handle the size of fireplace you really need, then you should consider another wall.

How big should a fireplace be when mounted under a TV?

For those who must put their TV above the fireplace, we recommend that the fireplace be at least as wide as the TV, and possibly wider. Today’s most popular fireplaces are what we call ‘linear’, meaning they are much wider ...

How many BTUs does an electric fireplace produce?

An electric fireplace with 120 volt connection will produce around 5000 BTUs, or enough heat for 400- 500 square feet.

Why does my TV look so heavy above my fireplace?

Otherwise, the TV looks top-heavy above the fireplace, due to the additional height on the larger TV.

Can a fireplace overpower a tiny room?

Likewise, a large fireplace could overpower a tiny room. However, we see clients going too small far more often than going too big. When asking ‘How big should my fireplace be when compared to the size of my room’, you should also be considering the size of the wall on which the fireplace will be placed.

Can an electric fireplace be operated without heat?

With electric fireplaces, the size of the unit doesn’t determine the heat output. Plus, they can be operated with or without heat, and they don’t heat up the wall around them. This means that the only limits on electric fireplace size are the physical space and the desired design.

Dimensions of Fireplace Surround

We are going to be adding a new gas fireplace to our family room. We are going to be adding the fireplace to a 17 foot wide wall (with 8 foot ceilings), with built-ins on either side. The fireplace will have a ledge stone surround with a mantel.

Comments (2)

Typically 8" to 10" around the opening. Building codes dictate the amount of non-flammable material around a wood burning fireplace. With a gas appliance it could be less or none but to stay more authentic looking go with the 8-10".

Should a Fireplace Mantel be Wider Than the Fireplace?

With many styling opportunities, a mantel can turn your fireplace into the focal point of your living room. A mantel also conceals the joints of the fireplace opening between the hearth and the wall containing the chimney. Having these functions in mind, it’s important to consider the dimensions of the mantel to fit your fireplace.

Photo: 1900stonefarmhouse

Installing a wall-to-wall mantel on a long wall with multiple fireplace niches is a great way to achieve coherence. A wide mantel in this scenario visually cuts off the wall into two segments, creating balance and proportion within the space. The wide mantel also provides plenty of display space for both daily and seasonal décor.

Photo: athomeinthewildwood

Play with proportions by opting for a thick and wide mantel to create a striking appearance when hung on a dark stone wall. Here, the mantel runs a few inches shorter than the protruding wall so it doesn’t visually overwhelm the rest of the space.

Photo: caseyjohelton

Create a strong, monochromatic appeal by matching your mantel to the color of the fireplace wall. Here, the dark wood ledge perfectly blends with the stone bricks, resulting in a dominant appearance that contrasts the soft white walls.

Photo: austincreekfarmhouse

This compact fireplace has a well-balanced appearance with its use of a thick mantel in light wood on a dark, colorful wall with thin bricks.

Photo: delightedwiththedetails

Playing with contrasting colors is a great way to emphasize the fireplace wall. In this example, dark wood is used against the white stonewall. This color combination draws the eye to the mantel, easily making it the focal point of the room.

Photo: rainandpineblog

Some fireplace walls use two types of materials. Here, the addition of an end-to-end mantel provides a pleasing transition between the white shiplap panels and the brick wall. The mantel also conceals the joints and edges between the two materials.

How high should a TV be above a fireplace?

Most fireplace designs require at least 15-30” of space above the top of the firebox opening to look legitimate. When there is a TV above the mantel shelf, the nominal shelf height is 50-65”. The vicinity of your seating and TV will determine the height for placing the television which will be explained shortly.

Where is the gas connection in a firebox?

The gas connection is in the wall near the firebox. Most people don’t think about the fact that the surround is usually 12” or more outside of the firebox, so if the gas key is in the area where the surround will go, it will either have to be moved, or the stone has to be cut out to leave the key exposed.

Why is my firebox not looking the same as my photo?

Here are several reasons why your design would not look the same as the photo you bring in: 1. Your photo has a raised hearth ( seat under the box) that is 15” off the ground, however, your firebox is either set on the slab or not high enough to allow for a 15” raised hearth. The placement of your firebox in the wall is crucial to ...

Can you run a vent box all the way to the wall?

If this is the case, most of the time you can run tile floor, wood floor or even carpet all the way to the wall. A direct vent box has a fire behind a closed in glass case, so it does not allow sparks to come out of the box that could cause a fire in the home.

Can a fireplace be wide?

Even a corner fireplace can be made wide if you bring the corner into the room. Skimping on space at the fireplace wall leads to puny, unimpressive surrounds that appear to be poor planning from the start.

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1.Fireplace Surrounds (A Complete Guide)

Url:https://fireplaceuniverse.com/fireplace-surrounds/

23 hours ago 8 rows · But what size works best? 24 – 72 inches (2 – 6 feet) is a good range for fireplace widths. ...

2.How Wide Should a Fireplace Be? How To Decide – …

Url:https://homeyhearth.com/how-wide-should-a-fireplace-be/

28 hours ago  · The most common fireplace sizes are: 24 inches by 24 inches 36 inches by 30 inches 48 inches by 32 inches

3.Fireplace Dimensions | Size Guide & Things to Consider

Url:https://rethority.com/fireplace-dimensions/

22 hours ago The fireplace’s surround is the face surrounding the firebox of your fireplace. The measure of the fireplace’s outer cabinet is the coordinated measurements of these parts. Most fireplaces are 42 inches wide, while some smaller fireplaces can have as little as a width of 36 inches.

4.Fireplace Dimensions (Size & Measurement Guide)

Url:https://designingidea.com/fireplace-dimensions/

3 hours ago 7 years ago. Typically 8" to 10" around the opening. Building codes dictate the amount of non-flammable material around a wood burning fireplace. With a gas appliance it could be less or none but to stay more authentic looking go with the 8-10".

5.How big should my fireplace be? - Stylish Fireplaces

Url:https://www.stylishfireplaces.ca/stylish-blog/electric-fireplaces-4/how-big-should-my-fireplace-be/

3 hours ago It is centered on a 22 foot wide wall. No windows or doorways on either side of the fireplace. The fireplace surround will come out from the wall 18 inches including the stone thickness. No hearth, so it will be a more contemporary look. It will have a …

6.Dimensions of Fireplace Surround - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1222338/dimensions-of-fireplace-surround

8 hours ago  · As a general rule of thumb, the mantel should at least be three inches wider on both sides of the fireplace. The average mantel width in most homes is six to twelve inches. With these dimensions, you can effectively deflect the heat coming from the firebox. A shorter mantel can make the fireplace look awkward and reduce its appeal.

7.Should a Fireplace Mantel be Wider Than the Fireplace?

Url:https://www.soulandlane.com/should-a-fireplace-mantel-be-wider-than-the-fireplace/

5 hours ago The width of your fireplace mantel depends on your room’s overall size and the placement of windows and doors. Keep in mind that a wider mantel will not necessarily improve the overall appearance of the room. Also, consider how far the mantel will extend from the wall and any shelf above it. Once you have the proper measurements, you can choose a mantel that fits your …

8.How to Properly Plan for a Fireplace Surround - Cast Fire …

Url:https://castfireplaces.com/how-to-properly-plan-for-a-fireplace-surround/

33 hours ago

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